John Lennon’s sister, confirmed as Honorary President of the new Strawberry Field Project

8th May, 2018

Strawberry Field, the iconic site immortalised in Lennon’s song and the Beatles hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, is being redeveloped which will see the famous red gates open to the public for the first time in summer 2019.

To mark this special occasion, Julia has been interviewed in a series of short films exclusively available at www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com, where she fondly recalls memories of when John joined local kids to play in the shadow of the old Victorian House in the grounds of Strawberry Field.

Looking forward to joining the Strawberry Field team, Julia said,

“I’m privileged to be invited to join this unique project, it’s a brilliant idea. Just like The Beatles springing from the stage of the Cavern Club, it’s a wonderful idea that The Salvation Army is going to cultivate youngsters in the precious soil of Strawberry Field, for them to be nurtured to reach their full potential, where they will have the chance of work all around Liverpool.”

The revival of the site, treasured by John as he grew up on Menlove Avenue, will include a training and work placement hub for young people with learning disabilities; a new authentic exhibition on the place, the song and John Lennon’s early life around Strawberry Field; and the development of a haven for spiritual exploration around the peaceful and tranquil grounds.

Major Drew McCombe, Chairman of The Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field Board explained,

"This is a pivotal day in the life of our project. To have a connection with John in his early life and the opportunity to work alongside Julia to cast the vision of the new Strawberry Field is a rich blessing. We are absolutely delighted that Julia has come on-board to help us raise the profile of Strawberry Field to the wider public and Beatles fans across the world. When we met I was impressed by Julia’s genuine understanding of the young people we are aiming to work with and her energy to help us achieve this vision."

Strawberry Field and The Beatles: the legacy of a Liverpool landmark

Much like The Cavern Club, Penny Lane, The Grapes and The Beatles Story, Strawberry Field is a glittering jewel in Liverpool’s Beatle crown.

Strawberry Field - The Salvation Army receives planning permission

Major Drew McCombe, Divisional Leader for The Salvation Army, North West, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received full planning permission at our Strawberry Field site for our vision. This includes a training and work placement hub for young people with learning disabilities, a visitor experience where people can find out more about John Lennon and his connection to the site as well as a place to explore spirituality. "We are incredibly excited to have received planning permission as we now look to make our vision a reality. The support from the local community, along with Beatles fans has been wonderful and we are very grateful."

Demolition begins at iconic Strawberry Field site

Demolition and salvage at The Salvation Army’s iconic Strawberry Field site begins this week and neighbours, as well as key stake holders and supporters of the project were given the opportunity to set foot beyond the famous red gates, for the first time.

John Lennon’s vision realised in Strawberry Field

· Inspirational choir records Beatles’ Strawberry Fields Forever at Abbey Road to launch campaign to tackle unemployment and isolation among young people with special needs
· Of one million people with learning difficulties in the UK, 93% are unemployed and 31% have no contact with family or friends
· The Salvation Army tackles issues within the learning-disabled community by re-opening former children’s home in Lennon’s Strawberry Field as a new training hub